A new nonprofit organization is challenging traditional notions about addiction recovery by creating an exclusive space where business owners combine entrepreneurial growth with sobriety principles. Sober Founders Inc. has emerged as a unique community where recovering entrepreneurs connect through weekly virtual meetings, business workshops, and peer mentorship programs.
The organization addresses a specific gap in both the recovery and business communities. While traditional support groups focus primarily on maintaining sobriety, and business networks concentrate solely on professional growth, Sober Founders integrates both elements through a structured approach that applies 12-step principles to entrepreneurial challenges.
Founded by Andrew Lassise, a technology entrepreneur who has maintained sobriety for 12 years while building and successfully exiting a business, the organization reflects his personal journey of balancing high-stakes business decisions with recovery priorities. “Entrepreneurs in recovery don’t need to choose between success and sobriety, they thrive when both are aligned,” Lassise said.
The nonprofit’s programming includes weekly virtual masterminds where members discuss business challenges within the context of their recovery journey. These sessions complement traditional business education workshops that cover growth strategies, marketing tactics, and leadership development, all tailored to address the unique perspectives of entrepreneurs in recovery.
Within its first year of operation, the organization has attracted founders whose businesses generate over $250,000 in annual revenue, with membership expanding across the United States and internationally. This rapid growth suggests a previously unmet demand for professional networks that acknowledge and support sobriety as a foundational element of business success.
Members of the nonprofit community report that the combination of business mentorship and recovery support has directly impacted their professional achievements. “This community gave me the courage to take my business to the next level while staying true to my recovery,” one member shared in a testimonial.
The organization maintains strict confidentiality standards, creating what it describes as a stigma-free environment where high-performing individuals can discuss both business challenges and recovery experiences openly. This approach recognizes that many successful entrepreneurs may hesitate to discuss sobriety in traditional business settings due to concerns about professional perception.
By positioning sobriety as an asset rather than a limitation, Sober Founders represents a shift in how recovery intersects with professional achievement. The organization’s model suggests that the discipline, accountability, and self-awareness developed through recovery programs can translate directly into business advantages.
The emergence of specialized support networks like this one reflects broader changes in how society views addiction recovery, particularly among high-achieving professionals. As more entrepreneurs openly discuss their sobriety journeys, organizations that bridge personal wellness with professional development may become increasingly relevant in the business landscape.
